Swedish bomb dogs assist at the Olympics in Paris

Published 26 July 2024 at 11.44

Domestic. The Eiffel Tower, Versailles and Parc de Princes. They have all been searched by Swedish bomb technicians and dogs. On Friday, the Summer Olympic Games begin in Paris – an extensive security operation where Swedish police support their French counterpart.

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Within the framework of European police cooperation, the French police have requested help from the Swedish Police Agency.

– We have made the assessment that we can spare these resources and still manage our own business here at home, so it felt obvious to stand up. We have also tinkered with holidays to make this possible. Next time it might be us who need help, says Jon Wåhlander, operational manager at the police's national bomb protection.

The police authority has contributed two teams. Among other things, the explosives detection dogs Charlie and Max have been allowed to travel with their dog handlers to Paris. Sports arenas, facilities and tourist attractions have been searched to find potentially dangerous objects and substances. Once secured, the facilities are put under constant surveillance until the Olympics are over. Among other things, areas around the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles and facilities such as the Parc De Princes football arena have been secured by the Swedish teams.

– Our personnel have been allowed to enter areas and places that you would never otherwise come close to . There have been many early mornings for the teams, who have worked together with French and other traveling colleagues to solve the search missions, says Jon Wåhlander on the police's website.

The work began on July 12 and will continue until the Olympics are started. Then the teams drive back to Sweden again.

– We have been very well received and the curiosity about how we work with these issues in Sweden has been great. Hopefully we have also been able to convey a positive image of Swedish police during this unique mission.

One challenge has been the warm weather. Some days it has been up to 40 degrees, which is exhausting for both people and dogs.

– Then it is important to take many breaks and drink a lot of water. And they have done that, says Jon Wåhlander.